MURFREESBORO — A consultant offering plans to respond to Middle Point Landfill's eventual closure in eight years could cost the city and county governments more than $300,000, an official estimates.

The Murfreesboro City Council will consider entering into a memorandum of understanding Thursday with the Rutherford County government in pursuing competitive sealed proposals for a solid waste consulting job to craft a strategic plan on what to do once the private Middle Point Landfill closes, according to a letter to the elected officials from Assistant City Manager Jim Crumley.

"Because of the highly specialized nature of landfills and solid waste planning, the cost of a solid waste strategic plan is estimated between $300,000 and $400,000," Crumley said. "The city's 50 percent share would be a budgeted item in the (fiscal year) 2017 annual budget (that starts July 1)."

The City Council meeting is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Thursday in Council Chambers on the first floor of City Hall, 111 W. Vine St.

"Middle Point Landfill, which both the county and city utilize for disposal of waste, is projected to close in eight years," Crumley said in his letter. "Both the county and the city currently pay zero dollars for disposal. The closure of the landfill will require decisions to be made about garbage collection and disposal in Rutherford County."

A strategic plan is necessary to ensure that the city and county keep pace with solid waste services for the rapid growth of the area, Crumley's letter added.

The goal of the plan will be to address future needs in contributing to a healthy and sanitary environment in a cost-effective way while taking advantage of unique opportunities or technologies, Crumley said.

County Solid Waste Director Mac Nolen said during a recent interview that a consulting firm is needed to help the local governments prepare for the closing of Middle Point Landfill in an estimated five to eight years off East Jefferson Pike north of Murfreesboro. Nolen favors the local governments forming a solid waste authority in pursuing solutions and setting fees for services.